When you think of the sea in Italy, the Amalfi Coast, Sardinia, or the Cinque Terre probably come to mind. But there’s a hidden Italy, far from the spotlight, where the sea is still wild, quiet, and authentic. That’s exactly where we want to take you.
In this article, I’ll reveal two hidden beach destinations in Italy that few tourists know about: Mezzavalle, in the Marche region, and Cala degli Infreschi, in Campania. Both can only be reached on foot or by sea. No hotels, no beach bars. Just pure nature, crystal-clear water, and the sound of the sea.
They’re not convenient places. But that’s exactly what makes them special.
Mezzavalle Beach (Riviera del Conero), Marche
Mezzavalle is a long and wild beach nestled between the white cliffs of the Conero Riviera, in the Marche region. Here you won’t find beach resorts, music, rows of umbrellas, or pedal boats. You’ll only find the sea, silence, and space. It’s perfect if you want to disconnect from everything and experience the sea as it once was.
It’s little known outside of Italy. Foreign tourists rarely include it in their itineraries, which makes it even more precious. Even many Italians don’t know it. I live in Italy and have already been there twice in June, each time with a different group of friends. The surprising thing? None of them – even though they all live less than an hour’s drive away – had ever heard of it, and they were happily surprised by the discovery!
Where it is
We’re in central Italy, in the Marche region, on the Adriatic coast. The beach is part of the municipality of Ancona, about 20 minutes by car from the city center. It’s part of the protected area of the Conero Park, a zone full of trails, cliffs, and breathtaking views.
How to get there
No paved road or beach parking. And that’s good news.
You have two options:
On foot: the main trail starts from the village of Poggio, along the Conero SP1 road. There’s a small area where you can leave your car. The trail is steep and slippery in some spots, but it can be walked in about 20–30 minutes with hiking or athletic shoes (no flip-flops). It winds down through woods and rocks, with an incredible view of the sea.
By sea: in the summer, you can take a taxi boat from Portonovo, a nearby spot with more services. The ride is short (about 10 minutes) and drops you off directly on the beach.
It’s definitely not a destination suitable for people with disabilities, strollers, or elderly individuals. Once on the beach, there are no emergency facilities, and the trail can be uncomfortable for those not even slightly fit. The trail is about 1.5 km long, with varying slopes, and in the steepest sections it’s strongly recommended to hold onto the handrail (which is present in less than half of the path)! Even though I’m a fit person, I admit I felt the strain after an entire day at the beach, under the sun, with the steep 1.5 km climb to face at the end of the day (I also slipped several times).
What to expect
Mezzavalle is a long stretch of gravel and coarse sand, bathed by a surprisingly clear sea for the Adriatic. The water is blue, the seabed slopes gently, and it’s perfect for swimming or snorkeling near the rocks.
There’s nothing built here. Just a small fisherman’s house turned into a summer kiosk, open at variable (and not always reliable) hours. Other than that: zero shade, zero bars, zero chaos.
The atmosphere is relaxed and quiet. Even on summer weekends, there’s plenty of space. The beach is long, and everyone finds their own spot.
What to bring
There are no services on the beach, so you have to plan ahead:
- Plenty of water and food. There’s a small kiosk on the beach but it often doesn’t have enough supply for the demand, especially on busy days.
- Umbrella (there’s no shade except for a few scattered plants)
- Comfortable shoes for the hike down
- Snorkeling mask if you enjoy exploring the seabed
Don’t overpack—bring only what you really need, because you’ll have to carry it the whole way there and back! My advice is to always keep one hand free during the descent, to grab onto random plants or the handrail when available, and avoid slipping.
Cala degli Infreschi (Marina di Camerota), Campania
Cala degli Infreschi is a hidden bay among the rocks of Cilento, in southern Campania. Few people, no buildings, just nature. Here the sea shifts from emerald green to deep blue, and the coastline is a series of sea caves, white rocks, and wild vegetation.
It’s a place that looks like it came out of a postcard, but without the tourists, exactly like Mezzavalle.
Where it is
We’re in the Cilento National Park, a protected natural area south of Salerno. Cala degli Infreschi is located in the municipality of Camerota, near the seaside village of Marina di Camerota.
It’s one of the most beautiful coves on the Tyrrhenian Sea, a Blue Flag beach, and part of a marine protected area. The name “Infreschi” comes from an underground freshwater spring that flows into the sea, keeping the water always cold and clear.
How to get there
Cala degli Infreschi is not reachable by car. And that’s exactly why it has remained so beautiful. You have two options:
On foot, via a panoramic trail of about 4 km (1h–1h30 depending on your pace), starting from the Lentiscelle beach in Marina di Camerota. The trail goes through Mediterranean scrub, pines, cliffs, and other smaller coves. It’s well-marked but requires proper shoes, a hat, and water: it’s not difficult, but should be approached as a real hike.
By sea, with a taxi boat from Marina di Camerota. In the summer, there are many daily trips and you can choose to stay at Cala degli Infreschi or visit other coves in the area. Some boats also stop for swimming or snorkeling.
Again, the rule is: bring everything with you—trekking shoes, enough food and water, umbrella—but don’t weigh yourself down!
